SASA Master Class: Taking Care of Egypt, Taking Care of the Home: The Power of Elite and Royal Women

Previous participation and previous knowledge not required.

What did it mean to be female in ancient Egypt?

What roles did women hold in society?

How did women negotiate power within those roles?

Women held positions of great importance in ancient Egypt, ranging from priestesses and chantresses to kings’ wives and reigning monarchs. Most people will have heard of Cleopatra and some may have heard of Hatshepsut or Nefertiti, but not many will be familiar with Hetepheres or Naunakht—equally fascinating figures rarely discussed outside of academic circles. At a time when the roles and importance of women in society are under debate and scrutiny, it is valuable to explore how power was wielded by women in other times and places. In this master class, we will evaluate the different types of evidence and the approaches that have been used to study the elite and royal women of ancient Egypt, highlighting the…